2001 Cadillac DeVille DHS from North America - Comments

New Owner of a 2001 DTS:

I was a previous owner of a 2000 Deville, kept it till about 150,000 miles. I had regulators go out on 3 out of 4 the windows. car would shut off at 60 mph. later found out it was the crankshaft position sensors which I got a great deal on eBay.

Then coolant warning always came on, even when it was full, bad sensor I guess. so I decided to upgrade to the 2001 DTS. it has 88,000 miles. the driver side regulator is gone. dealer is replacing and I have that same vibration at speeds over 70mph.

I am planning on getting new tires, and after balancing, etc. I will see if the problem still exist. Also the information system says that the tire pressure is low on the front left tire, but air in and it still reads that. Haven't had any other problems, I love the car.

My father had a 2000 DTS and he brought in 2001 with 3000 miles, and had to take it back to the dealer 7 times, yes, 7 times for oil leak. He got rid of it 2 years ago and got a Lexus 430. Whatever! I personally will choose my America DTS over the Japanese Lexus. You think Cadillac is expensive to keep. Ask my dad about his Lexus when the headlight went out. it cost him 650.00 to replace it.

I have a 2001 with just over 100,000 miles. Constant problems. Overheating. Ticking noises in transmission. Service Engine light always on. Coolant light always on. Always getting it fixed and 2 days later more issues. A nightmare.

I have owned Cadillac's since 1979, except for the period in the 1980's when Cadillac was relocated to a corporate car rather than the product of the Cadillac Motor Car Div., it has been one of the finest automobile's ever built. I would encourage Cadillac owner's to treat their cars as a fine motor car instrument. For those fortunate to own a Cadillac with the Northstar engine, please contact me regarding problems and I will be more than willing to assist.

M. G. Vanderburg

mgvanderburg@yahoo.com.

I inherited a 2001 DeVille (with the NorthStar system) from my grandfather last April. There were 25,000 miles on it at the time. Before I even left Florida, the passenger side window regulator went out. We had it bolted, since I thought that $450.00 was ridiculous. Instead, had $150.00 bill to bolt the window up. In the fall, the driver's side regulator went out and $450.00 later (which I was advised was incorrect, and should have been much more) the window was fixed and Cadillac was given a piece of my mind. Now... less than a year since taking possession, total miles of 37,000... number 3, the passenger side rear window regulator broke today. I am livid. Yes, I will pay the $450.00 (they better not even TRY to charge more)...give them a piece of my mind, and being looking for a Honda. According to the Cadillac personnel, the regulators are no longer steel, but plastic. When I asked him if he thought that it was acceptable for a luxury vehicle to have cheap parts as a way to keep the customer's money flowing into the service area... there was a blank stare. I asked him if I could expect the same for the other 50% to fail...again, blank stare, and he finally admitted, yes, probably. GRRRRR. I told him that my 1998 Ford Contour regulators never had the issue, he said, well, that's a older Ford...??? -sigh-

I have an 01 Cadillac DTS and it has been extremely good to me! I have to admit 3 of the 4 window regulators have gone out on me, but I knew they were going to go out when I bought. Bought it at 60,000 miles and now at 125,000 and it still runs great. These are the only things that I have had to deal with. Ignition Coil replacement, Coil boot replacement, hub bearings driver and passenger (that causes trembling on one side almost like ticking noise.), and I had a belt pulley to replace. I have 2 codes on it now for fuel trim system bank and I will get a fuel injection cleaning on tomorrow. If you don't get consistent maintenance on these cars you can expect to have major trouble. My dad always drove a Cadillac and I plan to continue the tradition. I expect to get at least 250,000 mile and, I plan on keeping mine until at least 2015! Long Live the Caddy!

Replacing RF regulator tomorrow ($400+). Any comments on after market regulators? I visited a website which rebuilds and also sells motor-less regs for $70.00 (see site below). Anyone had any success with this product?

http://www.powerupauto.com/DevilleRegulators.html?gclid=CLGo0aigz5ICFQosIgodLivDBQ

Otherwise I am like most other commenters; great traveling experience, but the car has some issues. still love mine despite.

D.

Like most of you I love Caddy's too. I'm currently on my second deville, which is a 2001. Bought it last year with 83000 miles.

So far the sunroof has slipped off track from what I'm told, plus when it rains now it leaks in my car do to a clog, which will cost me $250 to get done at the cheapest place I've seen so far.

I constantly get a check coolant, no matter how much coolant I add.

Had to replace the actuator for the AC last June before I hit the road ($450), only blew cool air on passenger side. I'm having the same issue again, and since work was done at Firestone, I was only covered for 6 months.

My car shut off on me while passing thru Atlanta on I-85 in the middle of traffic with my niece in the car with me; that was in January and hasn't happened since.

I get shaking over 60mph also. When I brake it vibrates, but I know from my 98 model that it's the rotors ($450 when I had that one repaired).

Now I have the service light on. I checked the code myself and it says some kind of fuel issue; can't remember exactly what it was, but have to get it looked at.

My passenger side regulator went out; fortunately I found a replacement regulator for $39 on partstrain.com (lifesaver... dealer told me $600 for the whole thing).

Also when I'm stopped at a light my car shakes; first time I've experienced that in any car. No idea what it is right now. Still troubleshooting, but it stops that when I gas it. I'm guessing it's either a fuel problem or spark plugs. I have 98K miles on it now.

Last thing.. I can't complain cause it was my fault, but I ran up on the curb accidentally and broke the bracket on my air pump, didn't notice til I got home that the hose was hanging under my car. I have it secured back in place for now, but I have no luck with finding new piece since I know dealer will charge arm and leg, and neither Autozone nor Advance Autoparts has it. Says dealer only. Guy at Autozone argued with me that Cadillac doesn't have one til I had to get my manual that I purchased last year and showed it to him. Currently trying to use alternative before I go to dealer.

I also owned a 1998 Deville, beautiful car. Had 77000 miles when I bought it in 2003 for $7k. My first car at 20 years old. I miss it now.

AC went out 3 months later. Had it recharged. Thought problem was solved. Didn't need ac as I was in Chicago in 2004.

After winter passes, I get stationed in San Diego, and while I'm passing thru TX my AC goes out somewhere close to El Paso. Bad time of year cause it was July. Dash read 115 degrees. It sucked. However while in Cali I never worried about the ac since it stayed 75 degrees like everyday. Had to leave in 2006 so I decided to give ac another shot. Found out the compressor didn't work. Got it replaced. Smooth sailing.

Back on road again headed to VA. Now I know why most people hate TX. AC goes out again. Stop at my hometown in Louisiana to get looked at. Dealer runs tests and finds nothing and recharged it. By then I didn't care and proceeded to VA. Later my suspension went out.

Christmas eve someone broke into my car on the passenger side and stole my stereo. That was it. I waited til Feb 2007 and traded her in for the 01 model. I miss her, but I still ride those Caddy's. Since I sorta know what to expect now, I feel a little more relaxed about the issues, but still upset about these being the same issues occurring with the newer models.

As much as these cars cost now, the parts should be expected to last longer than they are now. I'm 24 now and now I'm a little more seasoned with these, and seeing that I'm not the only one makes me feel a little better now.

I've always heard that caddy's had problems, and my grandma loves them too, but she prefers Lincoln, not me. Been a fan since I was little. I saw my first caddy way back when I was like 6, it was a candy red Eldorado. So I love the Caddy's and always will. I just hope that GM sees our posts and addresses these issues, because this is taking money out of our pockets that could be used for all the other important things like gas... LOL.

My neighbor also has a 2002 Deville, and his regulator went out a month before mine on his driver side.

Hopefully when I feel stable with the economy, I will get the XLR. That car is nice. Oh for the stereotypical folks, you don't have to be old to enjoy the Cadillac. Young folks ride too.

-Leroy.

The ticking noise coming from the engine... have you checked the oil? You might be low...

Somebody on here paid $650.00 to have a headlight changed on a Lexus!!?? Seriously?? I am in the WRONG business..

Look I don't mean to be a total jerk, but it just makes me shake my head to know that so many people just don't seem to have a clue about their 5000 pound land missiles that they are driving down our highways.

When I was little, before my teens, my father taught me how to do simple, routine maintenance. I could change a tire, check my oil, clean battery cables, change the belts.. He told me "Son, all men should at the very least know how to do these things before they are responsible enough to drive a car." granted, a few things might be out of the realm of the average person these days.. you do need a special tool to change the serpentine belt on the north star engine.. but I digress.. You should be able to do the basics, and not be at the mercy of triple A or the Cadillac Stealership.

OK I'll get off my soapbox.. Like I said, I'm not trying to be a jerk.. I'm just saying a little knowledge about cars in general will serve you well.

Mike from Nebraska.

20:30, I had a flat in my Buick Park Avenue and had to disconnect the battery to get the information center to re-set.

2001 Cadillac DHS

Bought 2 yrs. ago 60,000 miles. Replaced water pump 4 months later was told common problem for Cadillac.

Uses 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes told common problem for Cadillac.

Started jerking & shaking had hole in rubber boot between throtle body & intake told common problem for Cadillac.

Had to replace right front wheel sensor told common problem for Cadillac.

On 3rd Right front window regulator told common for Cadillac.

Now left rear door has no power to window or door lock.

Left rear power plug not working.

Both front seats quit working yesterday no power heard clicking sound fron under dash before they quit.

THIS IS MY FIRST & LAST CADILLAC, LOOKING @ TOYOTA, HONDA CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP THIS MONEY PIT.

In-laws bought 2002 Kia Sedona new now has 90,000 has had no problems.

May 1, 2008 My wife's first Cady was a coup DeVille. They STOPPED making them... It was a 1988 and we sold it to my son in 2001 with 293,000 miles on it for $1.00. He sold it 2 years later with over 300,000 miles for $1,000.00.

Before selling it to my son we traded the same car in on our 2001 DHS. Cady gave us $2,000.00 as an "Owner Loyalty" trade-in but said we could keep the car.

Our DHS is loaded from an $800.00 rear window screen to Night vision. We figured we would have this one until we retired. Thank God for the 50,000 mile warranty. We must of had $10,000.00 worth of service and car rentals.

Then it went crazy. @ 52,000 miles the tranny went. It was going to cost $3,600.00. I told my dealer I would bring it in but wanted to talk with the Regional Rep. from GM. Cady fixed the tranny for free as a courtesy for staying with them for 18 years.

Now it's the power windows that are confusing me. I ask you "How can the greatest American car company put "Made In Mexico" cheap plastic and wire controls in a Deluxe $50,000.00 plus automobile? Then turn to a die hard customer and say "that will be $550.00 please".

It wouldn't have been that bad if we lived on a toll road, everyday up and down window, part of the country. We live in the south and NEVER open our windows. My wife leaned on the button by mistake and the window went down and wouldn't go back up. One use and "cooked". The same thing happened when I pushed the button so that I could hook up the rear window screen. "Cooked" and now this week the other rear window... you know "cooked".

Let's see... does that mean a Cadillac DHS has over $2200.00 worth of "Made in Mexico" window controllers? If Cady is happy with "Not Made In America" parts and hiring "Made in Mexico" techs shouldn't they be charging us only Pasos for the repairs?

I have 2001 Cadillac DHS with 85,000 miles.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones... 3 out of 4 windows work, however last year I've lost AC on driver side.

In the winter, message center displays "service stability system" message, but in the spring message goes away.

Engine loves oil, quart every now and then.

Two years ago, engine temperature went up. Owners manual talks about been able to do several miles in this condition to get to the safety, I did about 3 to get off the highway... Engine had to be taken apart and fixed... $2,500.00.

Rear console controls don't work.

Driver side heated seat does not work.

From time to time, the engine will die in the middle of the road, after few times it happened I've learned not to panic and try to safely stop the car, I simply put the tranny in the Neutral and turn the key. Car always starts.

Driver side back window control works only down. I have to close it from driver door console.

Coolant level is one of the most often seen messages.

Tire pressure never seems to be right...

This is my first and last Caddy.

I bought a 1999 Deville with 35,000 miles at a local dealer in August, 2006. Always wanted a Cadillac, and I loved the ride. It was and still is a beautiful car. Bought it to replace my wife's car and to drive on trips. In-laws had a 1990 Deville that was a dream with few problems at all.

Problems encountered: 1 fuel gauge has been inaccurate from the start. To compensate, I keep a log of fuel fillups and reset the trip odometer to zero. When the trip odometer reaches 250, I know I have a little reserve, but it's time to fill up again.

2 Within a few weeks, the power steering malfunctioned and had to be repaired. I still notice a "clunk" when turning hard to the left. Otherwise, it's functioning OK.

3 Most aggravating problem, however, is a "jerking" phenomenon when accelerating. This occurs both at low speed and at highway speed. Dealer wanted $2,600.00 to repair it after I paid $250 for diagnostic test. Have taken it to local independent mechanics, but they haven't determined the cause and cure.

4 Check engine light now stays on constantly. Have been told it is a transmission sensor malfunction and to ignore it.

This will be my first and last Cadillac.

My 2001 DHS with about 80,000 miles has been a nice ride, except for terrible quality of many parts. Despite regular and expensive dealer service, I have had many problems. Right after I had purchased the car new in 2001, I had to get it towed out of my garage, as the oil pan was loose and spilled the oil out onto my garage floor. So far, I had to replace both rear window controllers, twice the crankshaft position sensors, the fuel gauge stopped working, both front seat heaters do no longer work, all four original factory wheels had severe corrosion on the inside where the tires are in contact with the wheel so that the tires no longer formed a proper seal and started to leak, the engine consumes lots of oil, the AC vents on the dashboard do not provide any cool air even with the fan running full speed and all the cold air comes out at the lower vents, and the AC makes loud clicking noises when the engine is started, the rear seat bench does no longer properly latch to the connecting hooks and makes rattling noises on rough roads, the drivers side side view mirror has become severely discolored. This is my third and last Cadillac, I am sorry to say. My first two Cadillacs were leased and I replaced them after two years. This third one one I l decided to keep beyond the first two years. Big mistake.

2001 Deville.

I bought this car almost a year ago, had 78,000 miles on $9000.00. Nice looking car, but the problems turn me against anything that may accidentally be good about the car.

Front hubs had to be replaced, dealer took care of this.

Front struts had to be replaced over $2000.00 for this.

The engine loves oil I have only driven the car about 6000 miles and it uses a quart about every 2 tanks of gas. I have done WOT to remove carbon and all that does is waste my $4.00 a gallon gas. I am told NS is a high performance engine, drive it hard. What kind of fool decided to put a high performance oil burner engine in a lux car? I can just see all the granny's and grandpa's floorboarding their caddy.

The rear radio speaker under back glass makes an irritating rattling sound. Had to set radio to turn it off.

The front dash board pad is curling on each side, dealer wants $1800 to install new one.

The steering has a clunking noise that the dealer can't find.

The rear deck lid rattles when it is being closed. It is normal so says the dealer. They all do that.

There are many other problems, way too many to list.

Today I by accident pressed the driver side passenger window button; the window stayed down, regulator quit, they want $560 to repair with a brand new plastic part.

I always wanted a Cadillac, I got one, now I want to get rid of one really bad. Never again will I buy one of the money pit lemons dressed in designer clothes. I fix one thing then something else breaks.

This has to be the most problematic car I have ever owned. BTW the ride is not that smooth.